FOUR different parties are expected to make bids for Darlington FC.

The cash-strapped football club is hoping that all four bids will be received before the April 20 deadline which was set by the administrators.

Once the offers have been received, the administrators will look to see which is the best one for the club and for its creditors.

It is not yet known who each of the four interested parties are.

However, yesterday The Northern Echo exclusively revealed that the club's former vice-chairman Raj Singh is looking to table a bid as part of consortium of two or three other people.

It is also believed that the former chairman George Houghton, who initially placed the club in administration, is remaining involved with the Quakers.

Mr Houghton is also the largest creditor at Darlington FC.

Last night, Dave Clark, of Brackenbury Clark and Co, the clubs administrators, said: "We set a deadline of April 20 for interested parties to make contact with us and express their interest in Darlington FC.

"I am pleased to say we now have four parties who are interested in making an offer for the club and discussions are taking place with a view to those offers being confirmed by the deadline.

"However, at this moment in time no formal offers have been accepted.

"As such I would urge all interested parties to move quickly over the next few days in order to finalise their proposals of evaluating the offers received.

"This will ensure we secure the best deal for the creditors and the club."

Mr Clark added that the evaluation process may take some time and encouraged fans to continue with their fundraising efforts.

The club has an All-Stars game planned for Sunday, May 3.

However, club officials are still considering moving the fixture 24 hours until the Bank Holiday Monday because all three North-East Premier league teams are in televised action that weekend.

Mr Clark said: "It is imperative that fans, staff and the team continue to work as positively as they have done and raise funds to keep the club going during the period of administration.

"We have our All-Stars game approaching - this is vital for the future of the club.

"We need this major exercise to raise vital funds and see us through the summer to prepare for next season.

"It should be a fantastic family day and we've been encouraged by interest so far.

"I would hope that this interest continues to make the day a resounding success."

Stars lined up for the match include former Newcastle and England midfielder Paul Gascoigne, Middlesbrough FC manager Gareth Southgate as well as a host of big name players, past and present.

Tickets for the game cost £10 and £5 for children.

For more details call 01325-387000.